L'échec du Parti communiste français aux élections du printemps 1981

The electoral setback suffered by the French Communist Party (PCF) in the 1981 elections was of unexpected proportions, the only comparable precedent being that of 1958; however, the mechanisms involved and the significance of the 1981 result aredifferent. In the presidential election the decline was both massive and relatively homogeneous. The PC was affected equally in those areas where it was electorally weak and in areas where il was strong, the latter failing, unlike 1958, to offer stiffer resistance — quite the contrary in fact. Interpreting this setback in terms of the " useful vote " requires clarification as to the possible meanings of this concept. The technical and tactical factors constituted by the mechanical effect of the nature of the vote and the fear of seeing Mr. Chirac precede Mr. Mitterrand played a marginal role. Fundamentally, however, it was a strategie setback stemming from a calm repudiation by part of its electorale of the direction taken by the PCF. This repudiation was based on a desire for unity and change which was reflected in électoral behaviour that was both determined and rational — in rnarked contrast with thé disarray of 1958 and of enormous benefit to Mr. Mitterrand and his party. The significance of the presidential vote was confirmed by the parliamentary elections which saw the decline of the communists continuing in areas where the PC was weak, while in areas where it was firmly established the PC regained some ground when it appeared to be in a position to ensure victory for the left, the unitary significance of communist dissidence being again apparent.Platone François, Ranger Jean. L'échec du Parti communiste français aux élections du printemps 1981. In: Revue française de science politique, 31ᵉ année, n°5-6, 1981. pp. 1015-1037